Which statement correctly describes immobility's effect on respiration?

Which statement correctly describes immobility's effect on respiration?

• A. Improved gas exchange and decreased risk of pneumonia.
• B. Impaired gas exchange and increased risk of pneumonia.
• C. No change in respiratory function.
• D. Completely prevents respiratory infections.

Answer: (B)

Immobility reduces chest wall expansion and diaphragmatic movement, so breaths become shallower with a lower tidal volume. This decreases ventilation to the lungs, especially the dependent regions, promoting atelectasis and mucus retention. When secretions pool and clearance is impaired, gas exchange worsens and the risk of pneumonia increases. So the statement that immobility leads to impaired gas exchange and a higher risk of pneumonia best describes the effect. It’s not a situation of improved or unchanged respiration, and it certainly doesn’t prevent respiratory infections.

Immobility reduces chest wall expansion and diaphragmatic movement, so breaths become shallower with a lower tidal volume. This decreases ventilation to the lungs, especially the dependent regions, promoting atelectasis and mucus retention. When secretions pool and clearance is impaired, gas exchange worsens and the risk of pneumonia increases. So the statement that immobility leads to impaired gas exchange and a higher risk of pneumonia best describes the effect. It’s not a situation of improved or unchanged respiration, and it certainly doesn’t prevent respiratory infections.